Canine Vaccines: Who Needs What?

Often, your veterinarian will recommend vaccines based on the lifestyle of your pet. Read below to understand which vaccines fit your cat’s needs!

Rabies

The rabies vaccine is one of the most important vaccines provided by your veterinarian. Rabies is a deadly virus that is passed through the saliva of infected wild animals. The virus is fast-acting and causes neurologic dysfunction that leads to death. Rabies can be transmitted to HUMANS through saliva, making this a health risk to owners as well. This vaccine is REQUIRED BY INDIANA LAW FOR ALL DOGS, cats, and ferrets over 3 months old. An unvaccinated pet is at greater risk for contracting rabies and is subject to stricter quarantine or euthanasia protocols if bitten!

Canine Distemper

At Battle Ground Veterinary Clinic, we carry a distemper vaccine that covers four different diseases. Distemper is a viral disease that attacks the digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems. It is extremely contagious in dogs and often fatal in puppies. Adenovirus is a viral infection that can lead to inflammation of the liver (hepatitis). Parainfluenza is a virus included in the “Kennel Cough” complex which causes a highly contagious respiratory infection. Parvovirus is a common and highly contagious viral disease that attacks the intestines and bone marrow. Without prompt veterinary care, it can be deadly at any age. This combination vaccine is recommended for ALL DOGS!

Bordetella

The Bordetella vaccine protects against infections caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. These bacteria are the most commonly found organism in the “Kennel Cough” complex which causes respiratory infections. The Bordetella vaccine is recommended for SOCIAL DOGS. These include dogs who visit dog parks, daycares, boarding, dog shows, or otherwise encounter other dogs.

Leptospirosis

The Leptospirosis vaccine protects dogs against a bacterial disease in dogs that causes internal bleeding, jaundice, and kidney failure. These bacteria are spread in the urine of infected dogs and wildlife. Leptospirosis bacteria are often found in standing or slow-moving water and are spread over great distances after heavy rainfall. The leptospirosis vaccine is highly recommended for dogs who ENJOY THE OUTDOORS and dogs in RURAL AREAS, though dogs in urban settings are increasingly at risk as wildlife travel into the cities. At Battle Ground Veterinary Clinic, we generally recommend the leptospirosis vaccine to all of our patients due to the environment of Tippecanoe County.

Lyme

Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which is transmitted most commonly by the deer tick. Dogs affected with this disease can develop long-term kidney damage and painful arthritis. Lyme disease is especially prevalent in our area of the country due to our climate and environment. The Lyme vaccine is highly recommended for dogs who ENJOY THE OUTDOORS, especially those who frequent WOODED, BRUSHY AREAS. Along with the Lyme vaccine, we also recommend year-round tick preventative for these pets.

Canine Influenza

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) causes severe respiratory infections. It is extremely contagious and often deadly without prompt, intensive veterinary care. The virus has become more prevalent in recent years and continues to be a major concern in locations that house many dogs at once. The influenza vaccine is recommended for SOCIAL DOGS. These include dogs who visit dog parks, daycares, boarding, dog shows, or otherwise encounter other dogs.

**It is important to note that, like human vaccines, these vaccines are not 100% effective. However, if they do not fully prevent the disease, they generally lessen the severity of the disease. This makes the disease easier to treat and maintains your pet’s health long-term!**